By Melissa A. Wabnitz
Transcript Staff Writer
PURCELL — Pop the cork and pour yourself a little something, as McClain County voters overwhelmingly approved a proposition to allow liquor by the drink Tuesday.
A 1985 proposition was shot down by voters but this time around, voters cast 5,505 ‘yes’ votes and 4,414 ‘no’ votes, a testament to how times have changed.
“I didn’t think it would pass really,” said Blanchard Mayor Tom Sacchieri. “I thought enough people would go out there and vote it down. I suppose people wanted to vote the way they wanted to.”
Marta Patton, deputy director of the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission said though it may seem strange that in a so-called “dry county” liquor stores can legally operate, many do so. Following Tuesday’s vote, businesses in McClain County, such as casinos and restaurants, will be allowed to sell beverages with an alcohol content of 3.2 percent and greater. And, customers will be able to consume the purchased beer, wine and other alcohol on-site.
“I hope this doesn’t lead to more drunk drivers,” Sacchieri said. “Alcohol addiction has probably affected every family in the United States and I was saddened to see this measure pass in our county.”
Also in McClain County:
•Voters picked Democratic, incumbent Charles “Shorty” Foster to remain as county commissioner, District No. 3. Foster received 2,502 votes and challenger, independent Troy “Butch” Davidson, received 1,143 votes.
• Lawyer Charles N. Gray won the McClain County associate district judge seat with 4,655 votes. Suzanne Woodrow received 4,629 votes. Judge Noah Ewing did not seek re-election.
Local news
McClain County no longer ‘dry’
- Local news
-
-
NPS to purchase radios
The FCC killed the wideband star, and it’s about to cost Norman Public Schools Schools up to $200,000....
-
Marc Heitz raises nearly $32K for hungry children
Spinning around an ice skating rink, many Norman residents contributed to raising nearly $32,000 to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma during the past holiday season....
-
City council considers transportation bonds
Tonight at 6:30, the Norman City Council will vote on whether to approve bids on transportion bonds totaling $33 million. If approved, the bond package will go to voters on June 26. The council also will consider whether to commission a ...
-
Road crews have easy winter so far
This year’s biggest snow so far has come and gone, leaving Cleveland County and Oklahoma well below snowfall numbers recorded by Will Rogers World Airport last year. The greater Norman area averaged 1.5 inches of snow from Sunday night ...
-
Norman gets snowy valentine
A whole lot of preparation by the Norman streets division resulted in safer roads Sunday night and Monday, but warming temperatures meant most of the city’s well-laid plans to combat a potential days-long storm were not needed....
-
OU hosts art sale
The school, alongside the Arts Alliance, is excited to announce the second annual “Art from the Heart,” set from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today in the Lightwell Gallery. The luncheon is a school fundraiser and includes all-you-can-eat soup ...
-
Sheriff: Precautions can help prevent theft
It only takes a few minutes for burglars to break into a residence or vehicle....
-
Loving Care Home Health and Hospice has anniversary
NOBLE — Loving Care Home Health and Hospice, 126 S. Main St. in Noble, is celebrating 15 years of service to the community from 9 to 11 a.m. today. The public is invited to join staff for coffee and refreshments....
-
Police release name of pedestrian struck on 12th Avenue SE
A 64-year-old Norman resident remains in critical condition today after being struck while crossing 12th Avenue NE north of Main Street....
-
Police release name of pedestrian struck on 12th Avenue SE
A 64-year-old Norman resident remains in critical condition today after being struck while crossing 12th Avenue NE north of Main Street....
- More Local news Headlines
-
NPS to purchase radios
